News Release

For Immediate Release
October 31, 2005

TORONTO — Attorney General Michael Bryant today announced the nomination of former Toronto mayor Barbara Hall as Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission.

"I am very pleased to nominate Barbara Hall, who would bring a wealth of experience as a champion of youth, community development, race relations and social justice issues to the position of chief commissioner," said Bryant. "I look forward to working with her to strengthen and improve human rights protection in Ontario."

Barbara Hall has worked as a lawyer, community worker and political leader for 35 years. She became involved in social activism during her studies of psychology and sociology at the University of Victoria in the early 1970s. Following graduation from Osgoode Hall Law School, she was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1980 and had her own law firm, specializing in family law and criminal defence work.

In 1985, Hall was elected to the first of three terms as a city councillor. She served as Mayor of the City of Toronto from 1994 to 1997. Later, Hall was appointed by the federal government to chair the National Strategy on Community Safety and Crime Prevention. She has also been a director of United Way of Greater Toronto, director and chair of the Harbourfront Centre and has lectured on urban and social issues nationally and internationally. She is currently the community relations lead for the Health Results Team, a special group formed to assist the McGuinty government in transforming the province's health care system.

Hall is nominated to replace Keith Norton as chief commissioner. Norton, whose tenure ended on October 16, 2005, had served in the position since 1996. Evangelista (Ivan) Oliveira has served as chief commissioner on an interim basis since October 17, 2005. Hall's appointment is subject to review by the Standing Committee on Government Agencies.

"I would like to thank former chief commissioner Keith Norton for the commitment and dedication he demonstrated throughout his term with the Ontario Human Rights Commission," said Bryant. "I would also like to extend my appreciation to Evangelista Oliveira for serving as interim chief commissioner."

The Ontario Human Rights Commission is dedicated to eliminating discrimination through enforcement of the Ontario Human Rights Code and by promoting and advancing human rights. The Code protects the people of Ontario against discrimination in the workplace, and in accommodation, goods, services and facilities.

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